Home News Samantha Breslauer September 22nd, 2025 - 3:32 PMOne of the last surviving members of the The Wizard of Oz cast passed away on September 21. Elaine Merk Binder, who was 94 years old, played one of the Munchkins when she was eight years old. Merk Binder was represented by the Mrs. Jessie Hirsch Agency. After her role in the landmark 1939 MGM film, Merk Binder went on to study at Occidental College. The Wizard of Oz was recently revitalized with the announcement that Wicked: For Good will feature new original songs paying tribute to the 1939 film that Merk Binder was a part of.